If you follow me on social media, you know that I track my swimming, cycling and running workouts religiously using a
Garmin Forerunner 935 Running GPS Unit (Black) watch, which links not only to Garmin Connect, but to the Training Peaks app. There’s more data there than the average person needs, but technology has made tracking simple and all my data goes directly to my amazing coach, Danielle Sullivan from Iron Fit Endurance. She prescribes the workouts, often detailing goal pacing, duration, etc. and once I’m done, she reviews the results, sends me feedback and may adjust subsequent workouts based on performance, heart rate and how I felt. Data-based coaching helps promote accountability and ensures that I’m making the most of training time. It also helps me keep track of my progress, so here’s what I did in 2018:
Open water and pool swimming : 68.64 miles
Indoor and outdoor cycling: 1,547.26 miles
Outdoor and treadmill running: 1,000.23 miles
Strength training: 20.4 hours
I also participated in several races including a 70.3 mile triathlon, several sprint triathlons, a couple half marathon and the Steamtown Marathon. Also, did my first Spartan race and loved it!
So what’s the plan for 2019? Here are my goals:
Swimming: 75 miles
Cycling: 2,500 miles
Running: 1,000 miles
Strength Training: 40 hours
In 2018, I had personal bests in several races and landed a spot on the age group podium twice. Repeating that feat won’t be easy in 2019, but I’m focused on setting new personal records for several races, including Eagleman 70.3 and the epic NYC Marathon.
Why? Because beyond the medals, there’s the feeling of accomplishment after months of tireless work, the excitement of new challenges and the health benefits that accompany endurance sports.
Lofty or modest, what are your fitness goals and how will you boost your health in 2019?
